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When we are thankful, it means that we have been impressed with a sense of kindness that has been expressed toward us, and we desire to acknowledge it. Essentially, it indicates that we are grateful. Thankfulness is the actual expression of our gratitude and acknowledgment of the kindness done to us. Thankfulness is also a state of mind, an attitude. It is a content and positive perspective, which does not focus on what one does not have, but rather values what one does have, no matter how basic.

Being thankful is part of being content. Unfortunately, many people feel that being content means that they have to give up on their dreams and goals. It does not. Like thankfulness, contentment is a state of mind. God wants us to be content with and thankful for what we have been given. That does not mean that we cannot want better and work to make our situations better, but it does mean that we should not approach our proper desire for more with a greedy, covetous attitude.

Nor can we compare what others have and what we may not have from an attitude that we deserve the same or even better. Maybe we do deserve it, but right now God has chosen not to give it to us, and we must be content with that and thankful for what we have been given.

How thankful and content we are can be seen in the illustration of water in a glass. Is the glass half-full or half-empty? Our answer depends on and reveals our state of mind.

1 Timothy 6:6-8

(6) Now godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

It is God’s will for us to be thankful because He knows that it is good for us to have an attitude of thankfulness towards Him. When we have a thankful attitude and an attitude of appreciation for Him and what He does for us, it does not leave much room for ingratitude in our lives.

In reading Psalm 8:3-6, we can see ourselves in perspective to God’s creation:

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man, that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet. . . .

God has given us—humanity—dominion over the things that He has created. And beyond that, out of all humanity, we have been given a tremendous responsibility to develop righteous character and have the potential of living eternally in His Kingdom. This thought alone should help us to be thankful each day.

We have all heard of KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid but I want to rephrase it to Keep It Simple and Straightforward.

I’m a fan of simple and simplicity. When I tackle a project, I don’t think I’m done until I’ve found the simplest way to look at it. I think of simplicity as a process. You can’t always start there, but you can find it or create more of it as you go. I also think of simplicity as a by-product. It happens when I find the elegant path or the simple truth. Sometimes I see simplicity as a means to an end — where the end is a simpler understanding or a simpler result or a simpler way to share. Sometimes I have to look backward to find simplicity — I can’t always find simple up front, but sometimes when I look back, it was there all along, either hidden among the chaos, or I just didn’t have the right outlook.

The most important thing I’ve learned about simplicity is that simplicity wins in the long run. Simple is stickier than complexity, and it survives. I think nature teaches us that, and we learn it time and again in work and in life. Life is simple, it’s our human desire that complicates it.

Jesus was the prefect example of living the simple life. He lived in humility, cared for everyone, and walked a path of sincere love for all mankind. He set the example of how we are to live our life on a daily basis. Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus – look to Him as your example in selfless humility. Philippians 2:5

There is no secret to living a simple life, it is a choice you make every morning when you wake up. Wake up happy, determined to be happy with every point of your day. Search for the good in things rather than lamenting the negative. Believe it or not, there is something good in everything we face in our daily walk. Thank God for the blessings He gives you daily and share those blessings with everyone that crosses your path throughout the day.

Love others as you love yourself. This simple statement will open your world to more joy and happiness than any other you will come across. Treating others with the same respect you wish to have makes life so much more easier to live. Lifting others up fills both you and them with unequivocal joy, plus it encourages them to share this joy with others.

Life is as simple as we make it and as hard as we choose. After all, it comes down to choice, buy if you keep it straightforward and full of love you will be happy beyond your expectations. A joy shared is a light in someone’s world that multiplies to everyone it touches. I choose a simple life serving others as I serve God. It keeps a song in my heart and a smile on my face.

What about you, how do you look at life today? Is there anyway I can be of help to you?

Keep it simple and straightforward – that’s what life is supposed to be!

Father, behold our family here assembled. We thank You for this place in which we dwell, for the love that unites us, for the peace accorded us this day, for the hope with which we expect tomorrow, for the health, the work, the food, and the bright skies that make our lives delightful; for our friends in all parts of the earth. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

We are all family to each other, everyone of us. With God as our Father, we are all brothers and sisters. Yet we seem to have so much trouble when it comes to reaching out and offering a hand up. Although we have no excuse, we always figure someone else will step forward and help, maybe someone better equipped than me. How soon we forget that when we were in our deepest need, He came forward and picked us up, loved us and gave us a new life.

Love others as I have loved you seems to go by the wayside when it is inconvenient for us to act. Did you ever think it just may be a test God is sending to see if you will lift Him up and shine His light for others? Maybe, just maybe, we are too tied up in the world of self, the what’s in it for me. As I see it all the graces of a Christian spring from the death of self.

Often with people you cannot completely alleviate their problem but, by being with them, whatever you can do for them makes a difference. A soft loving touch can do more to show people you care than just about anything else. Just knowing there is someone out there that cares will light up a persons world. The candle at the end of the tunnel. We either add to the darkness of indifference … or we light a candle to see by. It’s a choice we make everyday of our life. For me I would rather light a candle in someone’s life than add to the darkness. It is my nature to reach out and help.

God is in the business of restoration, and He’s been doing it for a long, long time. We’re merely His partners, His apprentices. We’re working with a pro! Today open your heart and let God’s touch bring restoration to those areas of your life that need repair. Then go and touch others with His restoring love. Be there for others and shine His light. Just being there will light up someone’s world. Share your light and love.

Grandfather taught me at an early age the treasure of reading. There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates loot on Treasure Island he said. Going to an AYOP school I was able to read just about everything available. I always had my nose in a book while growing up. I read the Bible three times by age twelve.

When we left the reservation, I continued to read. Mom purchased a set of The World Book Encyclopedia for the family and I read every one of them from cover to cover. I love to read. With an IQ slightly above average, 175, I was able to complete classes at school with little or no problem.

The treasure I found in books has been pivotal in my life and I still love to read about everything I can get my hands on. I literally read about six books a month, Barnes and Noble loves me. To me there is no better way to spend my spare time.

I think reading opens your world to the wonders going on around you. The real treasures and experiences in life can be found in a book. Grandfather says we don’t have time to experience everything there is in life, we need to share the experiences of others through books. I guess you can say he motivated me towards to a great education. My nose is still in book.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Mathew 25:40 Jesus was very clear on how we are to treat those in need in the Sermon On The Mount.

We, as Christians, are to help all others when they are down. Give them a helping hand to lift them from their misery. A little help to light up their path.

I have learned that being the light for others to find their way not only brings joy into their life, it also fills me with joy. Love shared always comes back with more love.